MERRY MAIDS

Item 7 details a realistic entry point with a $55,000 franchise fee and total initial investment ranging $126,880 to $170,110, positioning it mid-tier for cleaning services where many competitors hover under $150K. Ongoing fees include a 7% royalty—reducible to 6% above $400K sales and 5% over $500K—plus 1.3% brand fund and a $499 monthly technology fee, which adds up but supports standardized operations for homes and small offices under 5,000 sq ft. Item 19 revenue disclosure is a standout: average gross sales hit $487,441 with a median of $427,425, suggesting solid top-end potential from recurring clients, though medians imply many units fall short of averages without disclosed expenses or profits to gauge true returns.

System health shows 802 locations after a -9% contraction from 884 in 2023, per Item 20, with 10 terminations, 7 non-renewals, 35 transfers, and just 7 projected new units—transfers outpace growth, hinting at resale activity amid challenges like market saturation or economic pressures. This contrasts with booming cleaning peers, urging caution for new entrants despite the recession-resistant model. High locations reflect scale advantages in supplies and leads, but shrinkage demands scrutiny of local competition and operator execution before committing.